Politics · France · 4 hrs ago
French Assembly backs civil servant status for school disability aides
France’s National Assembly approved a bill creating civil servant status for school disability aides, known as AESH.
The proposal passed by 166 votes to 16, with 123 abstentions.
It would create a category B civil service corps and provide for aides already in post on 1 September 2026 to become civil servants.
The debate is about recognising aides’ role in inclusive education and addressing precarious working conditions; one lawmaker said their average net pay is €1,030 a month.
Questions remain about pay, working hours, training and job placements, and the bill could be amended as it moves through parliament.
The proposal now goes to the Senate for the next stage of its legislative process.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray said the government would continue talks with unions, aiming for an agreed plan by January.
The French National Assembly adopted a bill proposing a category B civil servant corps for school disability aides, known as AESH.
The vote was 166 in favour, 16 against and 123 abstentions.
The bill, introduced by La France Insoumise, would provide for the appointment of aides in post on 1 September 2026.
It will now go to the Senate for further consideration.
The government supports better recognition for AESH but raised concerns about the bill’s effects on staff mobility and support for pupils.
- Who
- French National Assembly deputies voted on a bill concerning AESH, who accompany pupils with disabilities.
- What
- They adopted a proposal to create a category B civil servant corps for AESH.
- When
- Thursday, 29 October 2026.
- Where
- The French National Assembly.
- Why
- The bill aims to recognise AESH work and improve their employment status. The sources also cite concerns about precarious conditions and pay.
Supporters of the bill
Critics and abstaining groups
Employment status
Supporters of the bill
Supporters back creating a category B civil servant corps for AESH.
Critics and abstaining groups
Critics said the proposal was not adequately designed or financed; several groups abstained.
Approach
Supporters of the bill
Supporters argued that the work of AESH should be recognised through civil servant status.
Critics and abstaining groups
Education Minister Edouard Geffray preferred continued negotiations with unions toward a consensual plan.
Potential effects
Supporters of the bill
Supporters presented the bill as a step toward better recognition and working conditions.
Critics and abstaining groups
The minister warned that training requirements could reduce support capacity by 50% in the first year and that the status could affect staff mobility.
The National Assembly adopted the bill by 166 votes to 16, with 123 abstentions.
The bill is to be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray set a target to reach a consensual plan through negotiations with unions.
- Vote in favour
- 166
- Vote against
- 16
- Abstentions
- 123
- Proposed civil servant grade
- Category B
- Aides covered by proposed appointment
- AESH in post on 1 September 2026
- Current number of AESH in France
- 146,000
3 sources
AESH : enfin, une avancée vers un statut de fonctionnaire de catégorie B !
Élèves en situation de handicap: l'Assemblée adopte un texte de LFI qui propose d'attribuer le statut de fonctionnaire aux AESH
"Une victoire importante": les députés adoptent un nouveau statut pour les accompagnants d'élèves handicapés
What people are saying
ni financé, ni pleinement réfléchi
Le gouvernement ne conteste ni l'importance du métier, ni la nécessité de mieux le reconnaître
La manière dont nous traitons les AESH est révélatrice de la façon dont nous considérons les élèves en situation de handicap